Subscribe Feed (RSS)Brainstorming and coming up with ideas is stimulating and satisfying. The satisfaction comes from finding good workable solutions to problems. Therefore defining the problem clearly upfront can be a real aid to the idea creation and problem solving that follows.
Defining a problem with a Problem Statement is common on academic circles and within TQM and Six Sigma methodologies. For Brainstorming however we need something shorter and simpler.
I’ve had a quick look for a problem statement template specifically for brainstorming. I didn’t find one but did come across some themes that I’ve pulled together into the following process.
The first step is to write down your problem or the current state. Don’t worry too much about quality at this point – simply making a start is significant. Next, expand on your problem by asking the following questions:
- who does it affect / does not affect.
- what does it effect / does not affect.
- how does it effect / does not affect.
- when is it a problem / is not a problem.
- where is it a problem / is not a problem.
Now, re-write your problem statement based on those answers.
The Second step is the same as the first, but focuses on the Desired or Future State.
The Third Step is to combine your revised Problem or Current State and your desired Future State into a single statement. This might take a couple of attempts but stick with it. Finally, review your new problem statement against the following criteria:
- Focused on only one Problem.
- One or two sentences long.
- Does not suggest a Solution.
You should now have a concise and well balanced Problem Statement ready for a brainstorming session. It should be unambiguous and devoid of assumptions. It will enable you or your group to focus in on the problem and work toward solutions that truly fit.
Try it yourself – Download a Problem Statement workbook by clicking this link: 
The following diagram outlines the process:
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Tags: brainstorming, problem statement, toolbox
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[...] problem solving and if you think about it – anytime you have an idea or need to be creative it is to solve a problem of some sort. Problems are not all the same of course, and there are lots that are not even urgent [...]
With this solution you may not be able to determine if you are dealing with a root cause or just a symptom. Understanding the underlying process involved in obtaining the desired result would allow one to identify the factors that lead to the desired result. This can allow the Pareto Principal to be applied to address the most important factors that lead to the desired result.
The odds are very good that examining these key factors with uncover the root cause of the problem.
Hi, very nice post. I have been wonder’n bout this issue,so thanks for posting
The article is ver good. Write please more
[...] that there has to be some type of “focus” prior to the brainstorming to make sure it addresses the right problem. This helps keep the ideation on [...]
Hello, can you please post some more information on this topic? I would like to read more.
Hi Andrew – what is it exactly that you’re asking for?
Hi.
I have a title I want to write about ,but I failed on writing a Statement Problem can you please help me.
My tittle.
Overhead wires transmission in urban landscapes.
Thanks in Advance
Andrew
PLEASE SEND ME A PROBLEM STAYEMENT ON OTITIS MEDIA
Hi, very nice post. I have been wonder’n about writing a problem statement for my research project,so thanks for posting
I want to write a proposal on youths in the community facing unemployment which is leading to poverty. Therefore I would like to know how to write the problem statement. Thanks in advance.
Very helpful suggestions for completing the problem statement in a research proposal.
Hi,
Thanks a lot. your article will help me to make a good problem statement 4 my research project.
safaj